Stark JFS 2024 Annual Report : simplebooklet.com

Richard Regula Stark County Commissioner Job & Family Services remains a vital resource for our residents, providing essential support every day. I am impressed by their dedication and especially proud of the Division of Children Services for achieving a record-breaking number of adoptions from foster care in 2024 – nearly doubling last year’s total. Helping these children find permanent, secure homes will provide them with the support they need to grow and thrive. For anyone interested in becoming a foster and adoptive parent, I encourage you to call Children Services at 330-451-8789. Bill Smith Stark County Commissioner Many individuals and families in the Stark County community rely on Job & Family Services to help them meet their basic needs. I would like to recognize and thank the entire JFS team, for always serving our residents with respect, care, and empathy. The work you do may not always be easy, but it is important and life changing. Brant Luther Stark County Administrator All the divisions of Job & Family Services continue to serve the public with excellence, delivering quality programs; making a difference in people’s lives every day. Congratulations to Executive Director Jerry Coleman, Deputy Directors Lenigar, Kandel, McGill, and Mayle and the entire JFS team for another successful year of service to the most vulnerable among us. Our community is grateful for our dedicated JFS team. Stark County Job & Family Services supports the community by protecting, stabilizing, and strengthening individuals and families. Alan Harold Stark County Commissioner By prioritizing compassionate service and innovative programming, Job & Family Services continues to demonstrate their commitment to strengthening families, protecting children, and promoting self-sufficiency. Having worked alongside them for many years as auditor, I look forward to continuing our partnership in a new capacity as commissioner.

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Dear Friends, At Stark County Job & Family Services, we are dedicated to building a stronger, healthier, and more self-sufficient community. I am happy to report that 2024 has been extremely productive and successful for our agency. This year, one of our priorities was to reinforce our commitment to residents. Working with Mike Gallina, Vice President of Organizational Development and Community Engagement at AultCare, our management staff and executive team met regularly to review the agency’s mission, vision, purpose, and goals. These meetings led to thoughtful and productive discussions about how to improve current functions, procedures, and communications. Our collaboration led to the development of a new direction for Stark JFS, which you can read more about in the pages ahead. Our Division of Children Services works every day to protect the well-being of Stark County children. This year, their hard work and dedication helped 105 children find permanency through adoption from foster care, the highest number in a single year. Adoption provides children with a safe, secure, and permanent home environment, creating a lasting impact on their future. To illustrate the significance of this accomplishment, the number of adoptions we saw in the past three years were 55 in 2023, 36 in 2022, and 61 in 2021. We have introduced new programming and continued outreach efforts. In the Division of Human Services, the STRIVE program was introduced to assist SNAP recipients with developing skills, securing employment, and achieving self-sufficiency. The program offers tools and resources to help participants build a brighter future. In the Division of Child Support, the Fatherhood Coalition spent the year building partnerships, hosting special events, and participating in community events. We are proud of the partnerships we have formed with organizations such as the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Stark Library, Early Childhood Resource Center, Akron Zoo, and Community Legal Aid. Last, but certainly not least, I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our staff. Their work is important and touches the lives of thousands of people each day. I look forward to continuing our mission together in 2025. Sincerely, Jerry Coleman Executive Director A Message from our Executive Director

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Throughout 2024, our management staff and executive team met to review our current mission, vision, and purpose. During these meetings, we constructed a new direction for the agency. Featured on the cover of this report, our new purpose statement, “Working to Make Tomorrow Better!”, is a simple, yet powerful, commitment to our customers and community. It expresses progress, dedication, and hope, as well as an understanding that our actions today can make a positive, lasting impact on tomorrow. Over the next two years, we plan to focus on a set of identified areas to ensure we continue to provide the best service to Stark County residents. These areas include employee recruitment and retention, workplace culture and colleague recognition, internal/external communications, professional development and colleague performance, and community collaboration. We envision Stark County Job & Family Services to be a compassionate, creative, and collaborative community partner by providing outstanding and supportive services. Our team is committed to our guiding principles. A New Direction for Stark JFS Our Guiding Principles Treat all people with dignity, compassion, respect, and empathy. Recognize the value and contributions of each colleague. Drive collaborative, continuous improvement throughout the agency. Provide consistent, timely, accurate, and appropriate services. Embrace and respect all cultures as we fulfill our mission. Promote strong and supportive partnerships among communities, families, and service providers.

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Social media has become a standard tool for communicating with the public. It enhances engagement and transparency, while building trust and keeping residents informed. Our analytics show that we reach seven times more people through social media than our website. Through social media campaigns, press releases, announcements, and other communications shared on the pages of Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn, this was our social media footprint in 2024: Stark JFS’ Social Media Footprint Our content was displayed 594,422 times in page feeds. Our content was viewed by a total number of 333,814 unique users. Our profiles were visited by users 58,286 times. Our pages are followed by 26,921 users, growing by 1,625 in 2024. Our content received 31,290 likes or reactions, saves, shares, and comments.

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STRIVE for a Brighter Future In 2024, the Division of Human Services introduced STRIVE, a program designed to help individuals build a brighter future. STRIVE works with SNAP recipients to help them develop skills, secure employment, and achieve self-sufficiency. Recognizing that each person’s path is unique, STRIVE provides a holistic approach to finding meaningful work. Participants receive free training, education, and personalized career guidance to help them reach their goals. Additionally, STRIVE offers support for overcoming barriers to employment or career advancement, such as assistance with transportation, childcare, uniforms, supplies, and more. Museums for All Social Media Campaign An initiative of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (MILS), the Museums For All program offers free or reduced admission to more than 1200 museums throughout the United States for individuals and families receiving food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Many of these museums are right here, in the greater Stark County community. To spread awareness about this program, we initiated a social media campaign featuring one local museum each month. Our posts included admission and visitor information, as well as instructions for how to receive the free or reduced admission rate. To learn more about the Museums For All program, visit Museums4All.org. Human Services

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Processing Medicaid Outside the PHE Early in the year, the Division of Human Services accomplished a significant task by processing Medicaid cases outside the Public Health Emergency (PHE) for the first time since March 2020. During the PHE, no individual on Medicaid could be closed, with the exceptions of death, relocation out of the State of Ohio, or a voluntary request to end the benefit. The transition back to normal operations unfolded gradually from April 2023 to March 2024. Staff faced a challenging 12-month period, with a monthly load of 5,400 to 7,300 Medicaid recertifications. They dedicated themselves to working hard and efficiently over this time. The state mandate required them to complete at least 90% of reapplications every month. Not only did they meet this expectation, but they exceeded it consistently from April to November! Partnership with Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank Throughout 2024, the Division of Human Services hosted a customer information booth at the Stark County branch of the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank. Staff set up from 9 to 11 a.m. on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. New and existing customers were encouraged to visit the booth to speak directly with a representative about public assistance programs, ask questions, and receive help with the application process. This ongoing outreach aims to connect services to vulnerable individuals and families in our community. There are programs available through Human Services that are structured to assist in providing financial stability and allow residents to meet their individual, family, and nutritional needs. These programs include Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), and Medicaid.

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The following data reflects the highest recipient count from 2024. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) 44,437 individuals received food assistance. Based on the 2023 U.S. Census estimate of 372,657, this is about 1 of every 7 people in Stark County. Medicaid According to the Ohio Department of Medicaid: 101,356 individuals received Medicaid assistance. Assistance programs included Medicaid for the aged, blind, and disabled, and the Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) programs, which cover families, children, pregnant women, and adults with Medicaid expansion. 20,777 individuals received Medicaid for the aged, blind, and disabled. This number includes approximately 4,500 individuals eligible only for Medicare Premium Assistance. 80,780 individuals received MAGI Medicaid. Ohio Works First Cash Assistance 2,709 individuals received Ohio Works First (OWF) cash assistance. 216 work-required OWF recipients were referred into the Comprehensive Case Management and Employment Program (CCMEP) between January 1 and December 31, 2024. CCMEP is meant to provide more intensive service and support to young adults, ages 16-24, as they work to become employable and/or self-sufficient. SCJFS partners with OhioMeansJobs in facilitating the program. 3,595 children cared for by publicly funded child care. Division of Human Services Susan Lenigar, MBA Deputy Director Staff: 164 The Division of Human Services provides:  Food Assistance (FA) Program, which is issued to the Ohio Direction Card for food purchasing assistance  Ohio Works First (OWF) cash assistance  Medicaid for the aged, blind, and disabled  Nursing Home Medicaid and Home & Community Based Services (HCBS) waivers  Medicare Premium Assistance programs  Non-Emergency Transportation (NET)  At-Risk Pregnancy Services  HealthChek  Breast & Cervical Cancer Project  Job Opportunities and Basic Skills (JOBS)  Child Care programs

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Children Services Children’s Network Earned National Accreditation In October 2024, the Children’s Network of Stark County Child Advocacy Center (the Network) earned re-accreditation from the National Children’s Alliance (NCA), a professional membership organization on a mission to make one big difference, one child and voice at a time. As an accredited organization providing comprehensive care, the Network joined hundreds of Children’s Advocacy Centers nationwide to command better outcomes for children affected by abuse. The process to reach accreditation is rigorous and involves meeting each of the 10 required National Standards for Accredited Children’s Advocacy Centers. These standards help ensure that all children across the U.S. served by CACs receive consistent, evidence-based and evidence-supported interventions that help them pursue safety, healing, and justice. Founded in 1987, the Network was the first Children’s Advocacy Center in the State of Ohio. It is a community partnership of caring professionals working together in one location to offer comprehensive, coordinated, investigative and professional services to children and their families coping with abuse. The NCA is a model in outcome-driven collaboration, featuring the largest network of care centers supporting child abuse victims in the country. Delivering everything from leadership and educational opportunities to resources and connections, the organization inspires members, referrers, and futures. By amplifying a single-minded voice in order to help local communities put the needs of victims first, NCA is the beginning of child abuse’s end. Learn more about NCA at NationalChildrensAlliance.org.

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Build-A-Bear Workshop Event The Children’s Toy Fund invited Project KARE and approximately 50 foster children from the Division of Children Services to participate in their Build-A-Bear Workshop event on June 8, 2024 at Hall of Fame Village. This was part of the Be a Friend Program, which provides children the opportunity to build two stuffed animals at the Build-A-Bear store – one to keep for themselves and one to donate to a child being cared for by Akron Children’s Hospital. Children were able to choose any stuffed animal they wanted, along with one clothing item or accessory. Neighboring businesses helped make it a day to remember by providing food and family-friendly activities. Mascots from the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Build-A-Bear Workshop, and Texas Roadhouse were on-hand to pose for photos with children, parents, and volunteers. Goldy the G.O.A.T. even played some football with the kids! Attendees enjoyed pizza from The Pizza Oven for lunch, with an ice cream sandwich from SMOOSH Cookies for dessert. Heggy’s Nut Shop handed out bags of popcorn and hosted a fun activity where kids colored get well cards, promoting the message of kids helping kids. The Be a Friend Program centers around creating an incredible day for youth, with memories to last a lifetime. The program motto is “Build a Friend, Make a Friend, Be a Friend”. The Children’s Toy Fund is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that brings the “bouncy, squishy, AWESOME fun” to children facing difficult situations.

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Improving the Visitation Experience The Division of Children Services introduced some new and exciting updates this year to their visitation center. This state-of-the-art space is designed for supervised visits between children and their parents or guardians. It includes six individual visitation rooms, decorated in the manner of a home-like setting. Within the center, families can relax together and enjoy a central common area, kitchenette, and fully equipped bathroom with a diaper changing station. Updates made in 2024:  A new craft area to provide a place for parents and children to work on projects together. Its shelves are stocked full of art supplies and craft kits for families to be as creative as they wish!  Rotating seasonal themes throughout the space. For example, in September the theme was “Back-to-School Carnival” with games, clown noses, prizes, popcorn, and facepainting kits.  Birthday kits for parents to decorate the space and host a themed party for their child. Heart Gallery Art Exhibition at Malone University We were truly moved by the incredible support, energy, and enthusiasm at the opening reception of the Heart Gallery on November 4, 2024! The show was graciously hosted by Malone University, in the Malone Art Gallery at Johnson Center. A special thank you to Kat Francis, curator of the gallery and longtime Heart Gallery artist, for inviting us to exhibit in this space. The Heart Gallery is an art exhibition pairing local artists with children waiting to be adopted from foster care, to create a series of special portraits. The annual show is presented during the month of November to coincide with National Adoption Awareness Month, a time dedicated to bringing attention to the need for adoptive families in our community. Twelve youth from foster care were featured this year, depicted by eleven local artists. Participating artists were Heather Bullach, Tim Carmany, Kat Francis, Heidi Fawver, Madison Miller, Alexa Polinori, David Sherrill, Maureen Magner-Sylak, Alaska Thompson, Kaley Weaver, and Andrew Wells. Portraits remained on display at the Malone Art Gallery throughout the month of November. The show then traveled to the Canton Museum of Art, Massillon Museum, and The Little Art Gallery at North Canton Public Library.

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Children Services’ Staff Receive Statewide Recognition Two staff members from the Division of Children Services were recognized by the Public Children Services Association of Ohio (PCSAO) during their annual conference on September 11, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio. Quay Diane Compton received the 2024 PCSAO Child Protection Support Advocate of the Year Award and Angi Rosa MSW, LSW was honored by the Ohio Child Welfare University Partnership Program (UPP) with the designation of UPP Field Instructor of the Year. Quay is an attorney who has been with our agency for 23 years. She began her career as a staff attorney in the Division of Children Services and currently serves in the role of Chief Legal Counsel. Colleagues and community members describe her as being fair, committed, compassionate, and empathetic. The work she does has a direct impact on the lives of children who have been affected by abuse and neglect. Angi is a social worker who has been with our agency for 24 years. She currently serves as Training Supervisor in the Division of Children Services, where she provides guidance and mentorship to new caseworkers, performs community outreach, and speaks to organizations about the agency. Her role includes acting as liaison between UPP and the Division of Children Services to provide guidance, feedback, and support to college students studying social work. Angela Foster, Abuse Hotline Point of Contact, Recognized as a Professional of the Year Angela Foster was recognized as a Professional of the Year by Stark County Mental Health & Addiction Recovery (Stark MHAR) and National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Stark County at their Notable Names in Behavioral Health Awards on May 3, 2024. The breakfast reception was held at First Christian Church in Canton. Angela currently serves as a Social Services Worker 2 in our Division of Children Services and is the first point of contact for reports of child abuse and neglect through our Abuse Hotline. She works directly with community members and mandated reporters, including teachers, law enforcement, daycare providers, and medical professionals. Her work is vital to protecting the children of Stark County.

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Report Line 7,979 calls to the Report Line resulted in 2,537 cases requiring assistance or intervention. Assistance 344 of the 2,537 cases resulted in basic assistance to families. Of these: 223 were calls of families in need of services 121 were calls about children who were determined to be dependent Intervention 2,196 of the 2,537 cases required intervention, using one of the following approaches: Traditional Response 472 (21.4%) of the 2,196 were responded to using the traditional response. Of these calls: 23.5% calls reporting suspected neglect 20.7% calls reporting suspected physical abuse 54.4% calls reporting suspected sexual abuse 1.5% calls reporting suspected emotional maltreatment Alternative Response Alternative response (AR), an approach that provides for a second, or alternative, pathway of response to reports of alleged abuse/neglect, was initiated in April 2012. In 2024, 1,724 cases (78.5% of the 2,196 cases) were responded to using the AR approach. Division of Children Services Tricia Mayle, JD, LSW Deputy Director Staff: 162 The Children Services Division serves the county’s children at risk of abuse or neglect, and their families. Children Services is legally responsible for taking and investigating reports of child abuse, neglect, and dependency; and acting to protect children at risk of harm. The Division also takes reports of suspected abuse, neglect, and/or exploitation of adults age 60 and older. In 2024, SCJFS contracted with Coleman Professional Services to provide these services. Children Services recruits and trains foster and adoptive families, prepares children for adoption, arranges for post-adoption services to families, and provides independent living skills for older teens.

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Recognized by the State of Ohio for Paternity Testing Paternity establishment is the legal determination of fatherhood. For children born outside of marriage, this is the first step for establishing a child and medical support order. Additionally, it provides children with a sense of identity and belonging, easier access to medical histories of both parents, and the ability to obtain financial resources from social security or veteran’s benefits. We are proud to continue to be recognized by the Ohio Department of Job & Family Services’ Office of Child Support for outstanding performance in the area of paternity establishment. In 2024, our Division of Child Support was recognized with the following achievements:  Best Performance Paternity Establishment in Large Caseload Division  Most Improved Paternity Establishment in Large Caseload Division Child Support Awareness Month Staff from our Division of Child Support joined the Ohio Department of Job & Family Services in recognizing Child Support Awareness Month by wearing green on August 7, 2024. Child Support is a critical income support program that helps millions of children and families throughout the U.S., including over 643,000 in the State of Ohio and 24,000 in Stark County. Children benefit when parents work together. This campaign helps spread awareness about the importance for parents to provide financial, medical, and other benefits. Children who do not receive these are at risk of experiencing a reduced standard of living, suffering emotionally and physically, and performing poorly in school. Child Support

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Keeping the Community Warm This Winter Staff from the Division of Child Support successfully hosted the Warming Wall for the third year, offering winter apparel (hats, gloves, mittens, and scarves) to those in need. From December through February, items were hung on the fence across from our office for anyone to take. The Warming Wall was first introduced in 2022 as a community collaboration to help individuals and families stay warm during the cold winter months. Its motto is, “those who need an item may take it, and those who have an item to give may hang it”. All items are donated. A special thank you to the following organizations for collecting and hanging items: The Knitting Sisters, Hall of Fame Village, Sixteen St. John’s Church in North Lawrence, Beta Sigma Phi Xi Lambda Lambda Chapter, Jane Bethel and the members of East Nimishillen Church, Project REBUILD Inc., Behold Beauty Hair Studio, and ImagineThis! Fathers Walk Your Child to School Day The Stark County Fatherhood Coalition hosted their annual Fathers Walk Your Child to School Day on September 19, 2024. This year’s participation surpassed 2023, with a total of 2,063 fathers and 2,745 children. Fathers Walk Your Child to School Day encourages fathers and other significant caregivers to show support for their child’s education by walking or driving them to school. Research shows that children whose fathers are involved in their education perform better in school. Representatives were on-hand at participating schools to greet walkers and distribute free gifts, provided by the Fatherhood Coalition, Buckeye Health Plan, and Humana Healthy Horizons in Ohio. Thirty-four schools participated this year in the following school districts:  Alliance City School District: 354 fathers, 412 children  Canton City School District: 743 fathers, 1022 children  Massillon City School District: 240 fathers, 343 children  Plain Local School District: 649 fathers, 847 children

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Number of Child Support Cases 24,747 Collections $50,215,537.18 and of this, $1,214,878.84 was collected at the payment window. Incentive Performance Categories FFY 2023 Paternity Establishment 101.14% Support Order Establishment 93.77% Collections on Current Support 73.16% Collections on Arrears 69.80% Cost Effectiveness $8.31 collected for each operations dollar spent (state average: $6.42). Significant Statistics 531 paternity cases scheduled for DNA testing 1,016 cases referred for Support Establishment 3,048 judicial and 736 administrative hearings by Legal Dept. 29,117 phone calls received in Customer Service 6,592 customers seen in the CSEA Lobby 12,684 emails received through the web portal Division of Child Support Ann McGill, MBA Deputy Director Staff: 66 Child Support provides the following services:  Establishing paternity and support  Issuing medical support orders  Modifying/enforcing support orders  Monitoring support payment collection/disbursement  Helping non-custodial parents comply with support orders and overcome employment barriers Community Outreach activities include:  National Night Out  Community Baby Shower for new parents in THRIVE  Father’s Day Fishing Rodeo  Fathers Walk Your Child to School Day  Massillon Fun Fest  Minerva Family Fun Day  Akron Zoo Family Day  Cooking with Dad

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PJAC/New Directions in Child Support Grant The final year of this $2.29 million five-year Procedural Justice Informed Alternative to Contempt (PJAC) federal grant ended in September of 2021, with a 1-year no cost extension ending in 2022. We received approval to continue offering the program under a 1115 waiver, including job readiness classes and PJAC case manager. The project is an alternative to civil contempt for non-custodial parents not making payments. Since October 2016, 78% of the participants have made support payments totaling $5,366,332.05. Expungement/Certificate for Qualification of Employment (CQE) Program The CSEA, Community Legal Aid, and Stark County Fatherhood Coalition collaborate on an Expungement/CQE program for parents with felony convictions who seek employment. Parenting Time Order Program The CSEA continued its Parenting Time Order program in partnership with Community Legal Aid. Services are free for qualifying parents. This is the only CSEA program in Ohio that helps non-custodial parents establish and enforce parenting time orders in court. Stark County Fatherhood Coalition Community Outreach The CSEA is a key member of the Stark County Fatherhood Coalition, which encourages responsible fatherhood. Members recognize a parent’s emotional support of their child is equally important as their financial support. A number of in-person events took place in 2024, including Read Across America Day, Daddy & Me Storytime Sessions, Day Out with Dad at the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Hall of Fame Ribs Burnoff Volunteer Event, Father’s Day Fishing Rodeo, Alliance Family Fishing Rodeo, Enshrinement Volunteer Event, Fathers Walk Your Child to School Day, Akron Zoo Family Day, 1,000 Youth March, and Cooking with Dad.

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Division of Human Services Wages $8,474,398 Benefits $4,186,877 Contracts $131,151 Countywide Indirect $94.260 Data Processing $18,483 FAET Participant Allowance $10,111 TANF SY $175,581 Benefit Bridge $64,088 Fraud Awareness $1,985 Work Related Bus/Passes/Fuel Cards $8,705 PRC/Auto Repair $199,374 PRC/Job Related $171,216 PRC/Parenting Skills $244,996 PRC/SEP $87,100 PRC/Work Allowance $51,258 Reimbursement/Special Projects $49,846 Rent/Maintenance and Utilities $292,668 Shared Costs $1,443,941 Supplies $12,227 Equipment $0 Renovations $0 TANF/CSEA Expungement $20,556 Transportation Medical/Healthcheck/ PRS/SSI $4,577,368 Travel/Mileage/Education $45,785 TOTALS $20,361,974 Division of Children Services Wages $9,626,180 Benefits $4,265,362 Wendy’s Wonderful Kids Wages & Benefits $189,382 Mental Health & Recovery Services Wages & Benefits $68,439 Wendy’s Wonderful Kids Grants $12,552 PCSAO Workforce Grant $0 Contracts $812,292 Shared Costs $1,462,842 Countywide Indirect $254,058 Purchased Foster Homes $4,867,894 Residential Treatment $1,372,577 Agency Foster Homes $1,555,045 Group Homes $2,210,217 Foster Children Clothing $187,152 Foster Children Medical $4,931 Adoption Services/Home Studies $50,057 Advertising/Recruitment $21,890 Bus Passes $92,125 Child Abuse Prosecution Unit $400,000 Communications $119,880 County Share Adoption Subsidy $365,573 Data Processing $13,815 Emergency Services $521,657 Foster Parent Training Stipends $23,119 Independent Living $208,508 Kinship Caregiver $74,037 Multi System $0 Best Practices $0 OHIO Start $50,560 Maintenance/Utilities $110,743 Membership Dues $14,659 Mileage $510,677 Miscellaneous $165,431 Non-Recurring Adoption $97,572 Agency Expenditures

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JANUARY  Heart Gallery Art Exhibition at Massillon Museum  Outreach at the Art and Resource Fair at Early Childhood Resource Center FEBRUARY  Heart Gallery Art Exhibition at The Little Art Gallery, North Canton Public Library MARCH  National Social Work Month  National Read Across America Day, Fatherhood Coalition at Alliance and Massillon Schools  Children’s Network of Stark County’s Game Changer Event  Human Resources at the University of Akron’s Job Fair  Foster parent recruitment presentation to the Rotary Club of Jackson Township  Daddy & Me Storytime at Stark Library—Main Branch and Perry Sippo  Fatherhood Coalition’s Winter Retreat at Pro Football Hall of Fame  Outreach at Louisville Church of Christ’s Easter Egg Hunt APRIL  National Child Abuse Prevention Month  Wear Blue Campaign  YAB Madness Basketball Game: Staff vs. Youth  Human Services at the Special Needs Community Resource Fair  Daddy & Me Storytime at Stark Library—East Canton, North, Jackson, and Lake  Fatherhood Festival at Pro Football Hall of Fame MAY  National Foster Parent Appreciation Month  National Missing Children’s Day  Foster Parent Recognition Banquet  Foster parent recruitment presentation to the Rotary Club of Plain Township FOODBANK OUTREACH - Ongoing Division of Human Services hosted outreach at Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month FOSTER CARE INFO MEETINGS – Ongoing Division of Children Services hosted foster parent recruitment meetings once a month.  Independent Living’s Bowling Event  Fatherhood Festival at Pro Football HOF  Fatherhood Coalition’s Volunteer Event  Outreach at Goodwill’s Community Resource Fair JUNE  Employee Recognition Banquet  Build-A-Bear Workshop Event with The Children’s Toy Fund at HOF Village  Rising Up… Moving On (RUMO) Foster Youth Graduation Ceremony and Luncheon  Independent Living’s 4 Summer Series  Daddy & Me at Stark Library—Perry Sippo, North, Jackson, and East Canton  Fatherhood Coalition’s Annual Fishing Rodeo and Alliance Family Fishing Rodeo  Outreach at Juneteenth Community Festival and Jackson Community Festival JULY  Independent Living’s 4 Summer Series  Outreach at Italian Festival/Canton First Friday, Nathaniel’s Hope Make ‘m Smile Fest, and African American Arts Festival AUGUST  Child Support Awareness Month  Children Services and Project KARE’s Back to School Project  Independent Living’s 4 Summer Series  Fatherhood Coalition at Enshrinement Volunteer Event  Outreach at Community Resource Fair and Carnival/Back 2 School Giveaway, National Night Out Against Crime Events, North Canton Main Street Festival, Massillon Fun Fest, Minerva Family Fun Day, Perry vs. Central Catholic High School football game SEPTEMBER  Fathers Walk Your Child to School Day  Independent Living’s Basic Life Skills Class  Fatherhood Coalition’s Family Day at the Akron Zoo  Outreach at JRC Free Community Day & Fair OCTOBER  Safe Sleep Awareness Month  Employee Appreciation Day  Project KARE’s Reverse Raffle  Children Services’ Fall Frolic Event for Foster Families  Human Resources at Walsh University’s Career Fair  Children Services at Northeast Ohio Regional Training Ctr (NEORTC) Retreat  Wild Thyme Dining Out for the Fatherhood Coalition  Cooking with Dad Classes (4 sessions)  Fatherhood Coalition at the 1,000 Youth March  Outreach at Malone University’s Health & Wellness Fair, Community Resource Fair, and City of Green’s Trick-or-Treat Trail NOVEMBER  National Adoption Awareness Month  Heart Gallery Art Exhibition Opening at the Johnson Center, Malone University  United Way Office Campaign  Cooking with Dad Classes (4 sessions) DECEMBER  Heart Gallery Art Exhibition at Canton Museum of Art  Project KARE’s Holiday Project & Toy Drive  Warming Wall Collection Drive 2024 Activities Calendar

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Executive Team Jerry Coleman, JD Executive Director Brian Kandel, MBA Deputy Director of Finance Susan Lenigar, MBA Deputy Director of Human Services Tricia Mayle, JD, LSW Deputy Director of Children Services Ann McGill, MBA Deputy Director of Child Support County Commissioners Richard Regula Bill Smith Alan Harold County Administrator Brant Luther, Esq. Planning Committee The Stark County Family Services Planning Committee provides recommendations to Stark County Job & Family Services for the most effective and efficient delivery of service. John M. Petit Chairperson Chanda Coblentz Vice Chair Jerry Coleman, JD Executive Director Chanda Coblentz Jamie Horey Raymont Johnson Dawn. L. Miller Laura Moline Evelyn Moore John M. Petit Rochelle Ridzon Gloria V. Sanders Erica Wilson-Domer Contact Information Executive Offices 221 3rd St. SE Canton, Ohio 44702 Division of Human Services 221 3rd St. SE Canton, Ohio 44702 Customer Service/ Application Line 1-844-640-6446 JOBS/Child Care 330-452-4661 Division of Children Services 402 2nd St. SE Canton, Ohio 44702 Child Abuse & Neglect Report Line 330-455-KIDS Foster/Adopt 330-451-8789 Division of Child Support 221 3rd St. SE PO Box 21337 Canton, Ohio 44701 StarkJFS.org Stark JFS  Facebook.com/SCJFS  Instagram.com/StarkCountyJFS  X.com/StarkCountyJFS  LinkedIn.com/company/StarkCountyJFS Fatherhood Coalition  Facebook.com/StarkCountyFatherhoodCoalition Project KARE  Facebook.com/ProjectKARE Children’s Network of Stark County  Facebook.com/ChildrensNetworkofStarkCounty Follow us!

Stark JFS 2024 Annual Report

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